South African authorities say they are in high-level talks with Russia to secure the return of 17 South African men who were allegedly misled into joining the Russian military and sent to fight in Ukraine. The men, along with two citizens from Botswana, were reportedly recruited in July through what officials describe as deceptive schemes. They were told they would receive short-term security training to work as bodyguards for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, or take part in a personal development programme. Instead, they were transported to Russia, absorbed into military units and deployed toward active combat zones.
The South African presidency has linked the recruitment allegations to Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, though the matter is now the subject of competing police complaints and an ongoing investigation. Zuma-Sambudla denies wrongdoing and claims she herself was misled by one of the alleged recruiters. Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the situation is being treated as urgent. He confirmed that South Africa is engaging mainly with Russian authorities, as the men are believed to be under Russian military control. Officials are also coordinating with Ukrainian counterparts to assess possible humanitarian or diplomatic channels.
The case surfaced publicly after distress calls from the men reached South African officials on 6 November. Later in the month, another of Zuma’s daughters, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a police complaint accusing Zuma-Sambudla and two associates of fraud and human trafficking, saying eight members of her own family were among those recruited. Zuma-Sambudla has filed a counter-complaint, naming one of the recruiters as the primary instigator.
Families of the men say communication has been sporadic and alarming. Some allege their relatives were pressured into signing Russian-language contracts they did not understand and feared being sent to the front lines. Protests by relatives and supporters have since taken place in Durban, calling on the government to bring the men home safely.Rus sia’s embassy in Pretoria has not publicly commented. South African authorities say investigations are ongoing, and that diplomatic efforts to repatriate the men remain a top priority.
